Material folding and creasing device

ABSTRACT

A device for folding and creasing cloth in the manufacture of garments and specifically to a device for folding the edges, in fixed position, of a piece of suitable material, such as, for example, in the manufacture of cloth belts, pockets, pocket flaps, epaulets and the like. The device comprises means for folding a piece of material into the desired configuration in combination with holding means which serve to hold the material in folded condition until it can be creased, the folding and holding means acting in association with a movable conveyor belt, the actuation of which draws the workpiece into a suitable pressing unit resulting in the folds being rendered in a creased condition. The device is also shown having means for operating the folding and holding means automatically in predetermined timed relationship.

United States Patent I Tucci 1 5] Feb. 1, 1972 [54] MATERIAL FOLDING AND CREASING 3,419,200 12/1968 Aramini ..223/38 DEVICE 3,493,151 2/1970 Scherr ..223/38 [72] Inventor: Anthony G. Tucci, 96-02 l03rd Ave., primary Examiner jordan Franklin Ozone Park l 1417 Assistant ExaminerGeo. V. Larkin 22 i Jam 19 1970 AttorneyCharles J. Speciale 1 1 pp 3,970 57] ABSTRACT Related US. Application Data A device for folding and creasing cloth in the manufacture of gannents and specifically to a device for folding the edges, in [63] ggg gs z ga gi 2 7! fixed position, of a piece of suitable material, such as, for example, in the manufacture of cloth belts, pockets, pocket flaps, epaulets and the like. The device comprises means for US. Cl ..223/38 folding a piece of material into the desired configuration in I 58] Field of Search 1 12/217 120 126 136 I 47 combination with holding means which serve to hold the l 12/l48, 223/2 5 material in folded condition until it can be creased, the folding 3 5 4 and holding means acting in association with a movable conveyor belt, the actuation of which draws the workpiece into a suitable pressing unit resulting in the folds being rendered in a [56] Rem-wees cued creased condition. The device is also shown having means for UNITED STATES PATENTS operating the folding and holding means automatically in predetermined timed relationship. 2,858,967 11/1958 Gilbert ..223/38 3,152,736 10/1964 Goldberg ..223/38 5 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATEMTEB E8 1 r372 HEET 1 0F 7 INVENTOR.

ANTHONY e. TUCCI MX ATTORNEY PATENIED as 11972 3.838.841 SHEET 2 BF 7 INVENTOR. ANTHONY G. TUCCI ATTORNEY PATENTEU FEB 1 m2 SHEET 3 0F 7? l N VENTOR.

PATENTEU FEE? 1 I972 SHEET L5 0F 7 m N E V m ANTHONY G.TUCC| My? ATTORNEY PMENYEMB H912 3,638,841

SHEET E OF 7 I NVENTOR. ANTHONY G. TUCCI ATTORNEY FATENTEU FEB i [872 SHEET 8 BF 7 INVENTOR. ANTHONY e. TUCCI [ATTORNEY PATENTEBFEB H972 3,638,841 SHEET TUF 7 my IN VENTOR. ANTHONY G. TUCCI BYM;

ATTORNEY MATERIAL FOLDING AND CREASING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-impart of my copending US. application, Ser. No. 711,007, filed on Mar. 6, 1968, entitled Material Folding Device," now US. Pat. No. 3,491,926.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a device for folding and creasing cloth in the manufacture of various component parts of garments.

2. Description of the Prior Art In my said copending application there is disclosed and claimed a material folding and creasing device comprising a pair of die members adapted to fold a workpiece of material into a desired configuration, conveyance means and a pressing unit and wherein the die members comprise an outer die and an inner die with a pair of sliding folding means being slidingly mounted on the outer die. The die members act in association with the conveyance means, the actuation of which serves to draw the folded workpiece into the pressing unit whereby the folded workpiece is resultingly fixed folded, i.e., creased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is among one of the principal objectives of the present invention to provide improvements in the above-described device which will eliminate the necessity for having a separate outer die.

In accordance with the present invention, similar to the device in my said copending application, an inner die is provided, however, the outer die has been eliminated, while at the same time, the sliding, folding members have been retained, the latter being slidingly mounted instead to the work bench where the folding and creasing operation is proceeding. Moreover, in place of the outer die there is provided a foot, preferably pivotally mounted to the work bench in a position to overlie the folded workpiece. Thus, when the conveyor belt is actuated, the foot acts to hold the folds in place as the workpiece is being fed under the pressing unit. The present device is particularly suitable for applying a liner to the folded workpiece, such as a sheet of buckram, which is then pressable onto the workpiece under the pressing unit.

There is further provided means for automatically operating the inner die, the folding members and the foot in predetermined timed relationship to each other whereby the folding operation can become completely automatic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be hereinafter more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. I is a top plan view, partially fragmented showing the workpiece to be folded as inserted into the device and showing the relative starting positions of the conveyor belt, inner die, sliding, folding means, weighted foot and pressing unit.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the workpiece whose edges have been folded in the manner according to the invention by the associated action of the inner die and sliding folding means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 except as shown with a sheet of liner material, e.g., buckram applied over the folded workpiece.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 except as shown with the weighted foot in overlying relation to the folded workpiece with liner applied and also showing the workpiece in creased condition with buckram attached after passing under the pressing unit.

FIG. 7 is a view taken from the underside of a conveyor presser unit showing the automatic means for operating the various members which fold and hold the workpiece.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the parts in perspective.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the top of the conveyor presser unit showing the connections of the operating means to the holding and folding members.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the latch means which holds the holding member against actuation until the workpiece has been folded.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the latch means which acts as a safety to withdraw the inner die.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the latch means which causes the holding member to be returned to open position at the end of the cycle.

FIGS. 13 through 17 are cross-sectional views taken through approximately the centerline of the conveyor presser and showing the location of the various elements during the folding and holding operation. FIG. 13 shows the position of the elements at the start, FIG. 14 shows the position when the inner die contacts the workpiece, FIG. 15 shows the position when the folding members have been actuated, FIG. 16 shows the position when the inner die is withdrawn and FIG. 17 shows the position when the holding member is in engagement with the workpiece.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the figures of the drawings, there is shown the improved invention folding device 10, a conventional conveyor belt system 12 (partially shown) acting in association therewith and a steam pressing unit (shown by phantom lines), whose function one to the other will now be described.

The folding device 10 comprises an inner die member 16, a pair ofspaced opposing sliding folding members 18 which may be connected to actuating means and a weighted foot 20. Each sliding folding member is preferably rectangular shaped and rides between a pair of parallel opposing mounting bars 30, each of which has opposingly disposed right-angle channels 32 adapted to slidingly receive the longitudinal edges 34 of the rectangle-shaped sliding folding member 18. The mounting bars 30 are each secured, such as by bolting or other suitable means to the upper face 22 of the work bench 24 at a position intersectable with the conveyor belt 26 and at right angles thereto, each of said sliding folding members 18 and its mounting bar being laterally disposed with reference to the conveyor belt 26. Suitable gripping means mounted transversely atop each sliding folding member 18 may be provided for actuation thereof. The gripping means may be, for example, a right-angle-shaped crossbar 36, whose base member 38 is mounted to the sliding folding member 18. Thus, as earlier mentioned, the sliding folding members when driven by the actuating means therefor will slide towards each other in the direction of the conveyor belt.

The inner die 16 is a generally elongated-shaped body 50 having a pair of parallel opposing longitudinal edges 52 and 54 and a pair of parallel opposing transverse edges 55 and 56. Additionally, integral with transverse edge 56 for the elongated body 50 there is provided a leading portion 58 which leading portion 58 is inwardly displaced from longitudinal edges 52 and 54 to resultingly form with elongated body 50 a T-shaped member. In other words, the leading portion 58 is the vertical stem of the T. The leading portion 58 of the inner die 16 is sized to fit between the sliding folding members 18, Additionally, the longitudinal margins of leading portion 58 are indented as at 57, 59 so that the sliding folding members may be ridden thereover for a reason that will become readily apparent very shortly. Inner die 16 may be either pivotally mounted to the work bench 24, at a position posterior to the folding members 18, so that the leading portion 58 may be positionable between the sliding folding members 18, or, alternatively, the inner die may be mounted on the work bench so that it may be slidingly positionable between the folding members 18. In either event, whether pivotally or slidingly mounted, the inner die will be powered by suitable actuating means to provide the folding function which will be subsequently ascribed to it. At a position opposite that of inner die 16 and anterior to the folding members 18, in generally axially alignment, is provided a pivotally mounted weighted foot 20 which is pivotal at a position intersectable with the inwardly sliding folding members 18. Thus, it will be understood that the inner die 16 is at a point in opposition to the weighted foot 20 and at the other respective side of the sliding folding members, with the result that all the parts, i.e., folding members 18, inner die 16 and foot 20 will be convergable upon a generally common central point. The foot 20 can be conventionally pivotally mounted to the work bench 24, the foot being in turn pivotally mounted to pivot bracket 70.

Describing now the operation of the invention, a suitable workpiece 72, in this case a T-shaped pocket blank, of which it is desirous to fold the longitudinal edges 74 thereof, is centrally positioned between the sliding members 18 and resting on conveyor belt 26 with the head of the T disposed towards inner die 16. At this point, the sliding folding members 18 are at a fully retracted position as shown by FIG. 1 with the workpiece 72 overlying the conveyor belt and overlapping the edges thereof. The lead portion 58 via inner die 16 is then automatically tripped over the workpiece 72, thereby slightly raising the edges 74 of the workpiece. Next, the sliding folding members 18 are actuated inwardly and towards each other so that their leading edges 19 intersect the raised edges of the workpiece and ride over indents 57 and 59 with the result that the edges 74 are folded upwardly over the indents 57 and 59 and under the leading edges 19.

At this point, if it is desirous to line the workpiece with a suitable material, such as a sheet of buckram 80, the buckram 80 is placed in superposed position over the folded workpiece 72, and the foot 20 is then tripped over the buckram and the folds thereunder, and the inner die 16 and folding members 18 are withdrawn. Thus, upon the withdrawal of inner die 16 and folding members 18, the buckram and folds remain held together by the foot 20. At this point, the conveyor belt 26 is started, thereby carrying the folded and lined workpiece 82 under the pressing unit with the result that the workpiece becomes creased at the desired longitudinal edges and the buckram becomes in turn heat-attached thereto forming a creased liner. Thus, with the present improvement, the possibility of the buckram and/or folds being displaced from their relative, ultimate, desired, fixed position is eliminated, since the foot holds all in place until the arrival at the pressing unit.

in order to actuate the aforementioned folders, reference is now made to FIGS. 7 through 17. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 there is provided on a conveyor presser a base 200, which supports the conveyor belt in the conventional way. Mounted on one corner of the base 200 is a substantially .l-shaped bracket 202. The bracket 202 lies flat on the base 200 with the long leg thereof extending parallel to the side of the base 200 and being disposed inwardly of the shorter leg thereof.

A shaft 204 is mounted for rotation on the bight portion of the bracket and extends parallel to the underside of the base 200. A pulley 206 adapted to be driven by a suitable source of power is fixedly mounted on the shaft 204 outwardly of the short leg of bracket 202 and a gear 208 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 204 between the legs of the bracket 202. A second shaft 210 parallel to shaft 204 is mounted for rotation on the bight portion and has a gear 212 fixedly mounted thereon between the legs of the bracket 202. The gear 212 meshes with gear 208 to be driven thereby.

The shaft 210 extends through the longer leg of bracket 202 and has a sprocket 214 fixedly mounted on the end thereof. A second sprocket 216 is mounted on a shaft 218 adjacent the free end of the long leg of bracket 202. The sprockets 214 and 216 are in line with each other and have an endless chain 220 mounted thereon. Pivotally secured to one link of the chain 220 is an arm 222 which extends substantially parallel to the underside of the base 200. The other end of the arm 222 is pivotally secured to a plate 224 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the underside of the base 200. The plate 224 has one end thereof extending through a longitudinal slot 225 in the base 200 for a purpose to be later described. A second plate 226 is mounted on the underside of the base 200 parallel and coextensive with the plate 224 and spaced therefrom. The plate 226 likewise has one end thereof extending through a longitudinal slot 227 in the base 200 for a purpose to be later described. The slots 225 and 227 are parallel and coextensive with each other and the ends of plates 224 and 226 are in alignment with each other. The other ends of plates 224 and 226 opposite the portions which extend through slots 225 and 226 are joined together by a shaft 228 rotatably mounted thereon.

lnwardly and closely adjacent the plates 224 and 226 are mounted a pair of racks 230 and 232. The racks are spaced from the base 200 by suitable means with their teeth 231 and 233, facing the base 200. A rail 234 is mounted on the underside of the base 200 adjacent each of the racks 230 and 232.

The rails 234 are of a height sufficient to enable the shaft 228 to roll thereon. The shaft 228 lies between the racks 230 and 232 and the base 200 and is provided with a pinion 236 fixedly mounted on one end thereof, and meshing with the teeth 231 of rack 230. A similar pinion is mounted on the other end of shaft 228 and meshes with the teeth 233 of rack 232. Thus as the chain 220 is driven around the sprockets the plates 224 and 226 will move longitudinally back and forth on the base 200 in unison.

Mounted outwardly of the plate 224 is a plate 238 and outwardly of plate 226 is a plate 240 which is parallel and coextensive with the plate 238. The plate 238 has one end thereof extending through a longitudinal slot 239 in the base 200 and the plate 240 has one end thereof extending through a longitudinal slot 241 in the base 200. The slots 239 and 241 are parallel and coextensive and the ends of plates 238 and 240 are in alignment with each other. The other ends of the plates 238 and 240 opposite the portions which extend through the slots 239 and 241 are connected together by a shaft 242 which rests on the bars 234 and lies between the racks 230 and 232 and the base 200. The shaft 242 is provided with a pinion 244 at one end meshing with the teeth 231 of rack 230 and a pinion 246 at its other end meshing with the teeth 233 of rack 232. The plate 240 is cut away as at 248 adjacent the base 200 to allow the shaft 228 to extend thereunder and also move beneath the plate 240. The plate 238 is similarly cut away to receive the other end of shaft 228.

in the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 when the plates 224, 226 move to the left the ends of the shaft 228 will bear against the ends of the plates 238 and 240 which extend through the slots 239, 241. Thus the plates 238 and 240 can be moved to the left. in order to move the plates 238 and 240 back to the right it is necessary to provide a latch mechanism between the plates 224, 226 and plates 238, 240. The latch mechanism as seen more clearly in FIG. 12, comprises a pin 250 mounted on the end of plate 224 and extending toward plate 238. An L- shaped latch member 252 is pivotally mounted on the plate 238 and is spring urged in a direction away from the base 200 so as to hook over the pin 250 when the parts have been moved to the left as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus when the plates 224, 226 start to move to the right from the extreme left-hand position the engagement of latch 252 with pin 250 will cause the plates 224, 226 to move the plates 238, 240. When the parts reach the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 it is necessary to release the latch mechanism so that the plates 224, 226 can move further to the right. For this purpose the latch 252 is provided with a leg portion adjacent its pivot point which extends in the direction of the base 200. A suitable stop 253 is provided on the base 200 which engages the leg to rotate the latch 252 out of engagement with the pin 250. in order to restrain the plates 238, 240 from movement to the left while the plates 224, 226 move to the right a second latch is provided on plate 238 outwardly thereof. This latch, as seen more clearly in FIG. 10, comprises a latch member 254 pivotally mounted on plate 238 and spring urged toward the base 200. The underside of the member 254 is provided with a cam surface which is engaged by the end of shaft 228. A stop 256 is provided on the base 200 and engages the end of the member 254 when the shaft 228 moves to the right and allows the member 254 to move toward the base 200 due to the cam surface on member 254. When the shaft 228 again returns to the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 it will move the member 254 away from base 200 due to the cam surface.

A pair of cam plates 260 and 262 are mounted flat on the base 200 inwardly of the racks 230, 232. The cam plates 260, 262 are each provided with a pair of slots 264, 266 extending longitudinally thereof and a stud 268 mounted on base 200 ex-. tends through each of the slots. A spring pressed washer is mounted on each of the studs 268 and engages the cam plates 260, 262 for urging them against the base 200 while allowing longitudinal movement of the plates 260, 262. Each plate 260, 262 is provided with a cam slot 270 having offset longitudinal end portions joined by a slanted central portion. A stud 272 is mounted for movement in each of the cam slots 270 and extends through a lateral slot 274 in the base 200 for a purpose to be later described. Thus when the plates 260, 262 move longitudinally the studs 272 will move toward and away from each other. To move the plates 260, 262 longitudinally each one is provided with a pair of Lshaped brackets 276 mounted thereon in spaced-apart relation and disposed on opposite sides of the shaft 242. The legs of the brackets 276 extend away from the cam plates 260, 262 a distance sufficient to lie in the path of the shaft 242. The shaft 242 will thus have a small amount of free movement between the brackets 276 before starting to move the cam plates 260, 262. The legs of the bracket 276 are also of such a length that they will be engaged by the shaft 228 which can move the plates slightly to the right in FIG. 7.

lnwardly of the plates 260, 262 are mounted a pair of plates 278, 280. The plate 278 has one end thereof provided with a leg extending through a longitudinal slot 279 in the base 200. The plate 280 is provided with a similar leg extending through a slot 281 in the base 200 and the purpose of these legs will be later described. The longitudinal slots 279, 281 are parallel and coextensive and the legs are in alignment with each other. The ends of the plates 278, 280 adjacent the portions which extend through the slots 279, 281 are joined together by a shaft 282 which rides in a suitable guide means 284 mounted on the base 200. The other ends of the plates 278, 280 opposite the portions which extend through the slots 279, 281 are connected together by a shaft 286 which extends completely therethrough and having its ends riding on the rails 234. One end of the shaft has a pinion 288 mounted thereon and in mesh with the teeth 231 of rack 230 and a similar pinion is mounted on the other end of shaft 286 meshing with the teeth 233 of rack 232. A spring 290 is connected to one end of plate 280 and the base 200 for urging the plates 278, 280 to the right as seen in FIG. 7.

In order to move the plates 278, 280 longitudinally at predetermined times a system of latches is provided to connect the plates 278, 280 to the plates 224, 226. For the purpose of moving the plates 278, 280 to the left the shaft 228 is provided with an arm 292 pivotally mounted thereon. A bracket 294 is pivotally mounted on the arm 292 adjacent the pivotal mounting of the arm 292 and the bracket 294 supports a roller 296 in contact with the base 200. The bracket 294 also supports a leaf spring 298 which bears against the arm 292 for urging it towards the base 200. The arm 292 is provided near its free end with a block 300 extending toward the base 200 and the free end of the arm 292 is bevelled as at 302. A cam block 304 is fixedly mounted on the base 200 for engagement with the free end of arm 292 for moving the arm 292 in a direction away from the base 200.

Thus when the plates 224, 226 first move to the right in FIGS. 7 and 8 the arm 292 will ride up and over shaft 286 because of the bevelled edge on the back of block 300. Then when the plates 224, 226 start to move to the left the flat surface on the front of block 300 will push against shaft 286 thereby moving it and its attached parts to the left. As the free end 302 of the arm 292 comes in contact with block 304 the arm will be moved so as to release the block 300 from shaft 286. In order to hold the shaft 286 in the left-hand position, a catch 306 is pivotally mounted on a block 308 on the base 200. The catch 306 is spring urged away from the base 200 and has a cam block 310 mounted thereon facing the shaft 286. As the shaft 286 moves to the left it will depress the catch 306 until the shaft 286 passes beyond the cam block 310 at which time the catch 306 will move away from the base 200 and the front face of the cam block 310 will prevent the shaft 286 from moving to the right.

When the plates 224, 226 continue to the left after the shaft 286 has been restrained by block 310 the shaft 228 will engage the face of block 310 moving the catch 306 towards the base 200. This will allow the shaft 286 to move slightly to the right so that it escapes the blocking action of block 310. As the shaft 228 returns to the right the shaft 286 will follow under the influence of spring 290. A latch member is provided to make certain that the shaft 286 and its associated parts will move to the right. This latch comprises an L-shaped member 312 pivotally mounted on the shaft 228 and having its short leg extending toward the base 200. The member 312 is spring urged toward the base 200 and the short leg thereof is bevelled on the side away from the pivot point as at 313 so that it can ride up over shaft 286 when shaft 228 is moving to the left.

In order to release the latch member 312 when the shaft 228 moves to the right from the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 the latch member 312 is provided with a downwardly extending leg 314 adjacent its pivot point. A bracket 316 having a pin 318 thereon is mounted on the base 200 with the pin 318 extending away from the base 200. A block 320 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 316 with its axis parallel to the axis of the pin 318 and the free end of the block 320 is spring urged against the pin 318. As the shaft 228 moves to the right from the position shown the leg 314 engages the block 320, which is restricted from movement, to rock the latch member 312 about the shaft 228 causing it to release shaft 286. When the shaft 228 returns and moves in the opposite direction the leg 314 merely moves the block 320 about its axis against the action of the spring to allow the leg 314 to pass without rocking the latch member 312.

As seen in FIG. 9 the ends of plates 224 and 226 which extend through the slots 225 and 227 are joined together by a shaft 322 which is parallel to and spaced above the base 200. The ends of plates 238 and 240 which extend through the slots 239 and 241 are joined together by a shaft 324, while the ends of plates 278 and 280 which extend through the slots 279 and 281 are joined together by a shaft 326, and these shafts are also parallel to and spaced above the base 200. Centered on the shaft 322 is a roll 328 and centered on the shaft 324 is a roll 330. The folder shown in FIG. 9 is similar to that of FIG. 2 except for the change in shape and the mounting so that it can be automatically operated.

The shaft 326 has the inner die member 332 mounted thereon for rotation about the axis of the shaft 326. The backface of the die member 332 is provided with a compressible member 334 which is adapted to be engaged by the roll 328. An inverted L-shaped member 336 is mounted on the die member 332 and also is engaged by roller 328 during part of its movement and which serves to rotate the die member 332 about its pivot. A hokiing plate 338 is pivotally mounted in a fixed position on base 200 facing the die member 332. This is accomplished by a shaft 340 being received in an upstanding U-shaped bracket 342 mounted on the base 200. Leaf springs such as that indicated at 344 bear against the ends of the shaft 340 to hold it in place in the brackets 342.

The back of the holding plate 338 is provided with a compressible member 346 which is adapted to be engaged by the roll 330. Mounted on the holding plate 338 adjacent the brackets 342 are a pair of J-shaped members 348 which have their long legs extending along the backface of the holding plate 338 and their short legs spaced from the backface of the holding plate 338. The shaft 324 is adapted to enter the space between the legs of the J-shaped members 348 to rock the holding plate 338 about its pivot during a portion of the movement ofthe shaft 324.

Mounted on the studs 274 which extend through the slots 274 above the base 200 are outer folding members 350 which cooperate with the inner die member 332 to fold the workpieces. These outer folding members move toward and away from each other.

In the operation of the device it is to be understood that the mechanism is mounted on a machine having a pressing iron disposed to the left of the mechanism shown in FIG. 9. A conveyor belt passes from right to left between the ends of the plates 278 and 280 which extend above the base 200. The conveyor belt is operated intermittently by the operator and suitable controls are provided therefor. The start position of the elements is that shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 13 and in that position when viewing FIG. 9 the ends of plates 238 and 240 would be at the extreme left-hand ends of slots 239 and 241, the ends of plates 278 and 280 would be at the extreme lefthand ends of slots 279 and 281. and the ends of plates 224 and 226 would be at substantially the midpoint of slots 22S and 227. Also the chain 220 will be driven in a clockwise direction when viewing FIG. 8.

In the starting position the inner die member 332 and the holding plate 338 will be in a substantially vertical position with respect to the base 200 as seen in FIG. 13 and the outer folding members 350 will be in their semiinward position and the conveyor belt will be in stopped position. The operator then places the workpiece between the die member 332 and the holding plate 338 on the conveyor belt with the edges of the workpiece overlapping the outer folding members 350. The operator then starts the folding operation by closing a suitable switch which starts the drive for pulley 206.

As the chain 220 through link 222 moves the plates 224, 226 to the right as seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 13 the roller 328 will move to the right and as it passes over shaft 326 it will cause the inner die member 332 to move downwardly against the workpiece to press the central position thereof against the conveyor belt. This will cause the side edges of the workpiece to project slightly upward away from the conveyor belt. As the shaft 118 approaches the end of its rightward movement as shown in FIG. 14 it will engage the left-hand brackets 276 and further movement to the right will move the cam plates 260 and 262 to the right. This movement of cam plates 260 and 262 causes the outer folding members to move toward each other over the edges of the inner die which results in folding the edges of the workpiece.

When shaft 228 reaches the end of its rightward movement the block 300 on latch 292 will have passed to the right of shaft 286 so that when the shaft 228 moves to the left as seen in FIGv 15 the block 300 will move shaft 286 to the left. As both shafts 228 and 286 move to the left the inner member will move to the left in its down position thus withdrawing it from the workpiece. At this time the workpiece is held in position by the side folding members.

The shaft 228 continues its movement to the left until it reaches substantially the midpoint of its travel which is the position shown in FIG. 16. At this time the shaft engages the plates 238, 240 and will move them to the left. This results in the roller 330 passing over the pivot shaft 340 of the holding plate 338 and causing the holding plate 338 to move downwardly against the folded workpiece. As the plates 238, 240 move further to the left the shaft 242 will engage the lefthand pair of brackets 276 as shown in FIG. 17. Further movement of shaft 242 to the left will move the cam plates 260 and 262 to the left thus withdrawing the side folding members and leaving the holding member 338 to hold the workpiece. When all parts have reached the extreme left-hand position of their movement a suitable switch will have been closed allowing the conveyor belt to be actuated to feed the workpiece under the pressing unit.

When the shaft 286 was being moved to the left by block 300 the end 302 of latch 292 engaged the cam surface of block 304 thereby releasing block 300 from shaft 286. Just prior to the release of block 300 from shaft 286, the latch 312 engaged shaft 286 to prevent its return to the right under the influence ofspring 290. Since shaft 326 is as far to the left as it can go when block 300 is released, further movement of shaft 228 to the left causes the roller 328 to be moved to the left and after it passes the shaft 326 it will move the inner die member 332 away from the conveyor belt. As the shaft 228 reaches its extreme left-hand position it will depress the latch 312 allowing shaft 286 to move slightly to the right so that the ends of plates 278, 280 will bear against the shaft 228. As shaft 228 moves back to the right the plates 278 and 280 will follow under the influence of spring 290. In the event spring 290 is not successful in returning plates 278, 280 the safety latch 312 will pick up shaft 286 and carry it to the right. The inner die member will thus return to the start position in open position.

After shaft 228 reaches its extreme left-hand position and starts to return to the right the pin 250 will engage the latch 252 on member 238 thereby carrying plates 238, 240 to the right. This causes the roller 330 to move toward the pivot of holding member 338. As the shaft 324 on which roller 330 is mounted passes the pivot shaft 340 and enters the brackets 348 on the holding member 338 it will move the holding member away from the conveyor belt. During the movement of plates 238, 240 to the right the shaft 242 will engage the right-hand pair of brackets 276 to move the cam plates 260 to the right which will cause the side folding members to move toward each other into starting position. When all parts have reached their starting position suitable switches will stop both the conveyor belt and the actuating mechanism for the folding device.

While not forming a part of this invention it is to be understood that a suitable circuit and controls can be provided to allow the stopping of the mechanism in various positions as well as for operating the conveyor independently of the folding device.

Having thus described the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that various changes may be made by those skilled in the art, in the form of the device illustrated, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

I. In a material folding and creasing device having an inner die member, at least one side folding member and a holding member, a mechanism for actuating said members in predetermined timed relation, said mechanism comprising drive means, first actuating means connected to said drive means and said inner die member, second actuating means connected to said side folding member, third actuating means connected to said inner die member and fourth actuating means connected to said holding member; wherein said first actuating means drives the second, third and fourth actuating means at predetermined points during its cycle of operation; wherein said first actuating means during its initial movement when driven by the drive means operates to cause the inner die member to hold a workpiece in position for imparting a fold thereto; wherein said first actuating means during its subsequent movement operates said second actuating means to cause the side folding member to impart a fold to the workpiece; wherein said first actuating means is connected to said third actuating means after actuating the second actuating means whereby said inner die member is withdrawn from said workpiece with said side folding member holding the folded workpiece in position; wherein said first actuating means is connected to said fourth actuating means after actuating the third actuating means whereby said holding member is caused to engage said folded workpiece; and wherein said fourth actuating means after it has caused said holding member to engage the folded workpiece is connected to said third actuating means to withdraw said folding member from engagement with said folded workpiece.

2. In a material folding and creasing device having an inner die member, at least one side folding member and a holding member, a mechanism for actuating said members in predetermined timed relation, said mechanism comprising drive means, a first shaft having said inner die member pivotally mounted thereon for movement toward and away from a workpiece to be folded, said first shaft being adapted for movement toward and away from said workpiece in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece, and a second shaft carrying a roller adapted to engage the face of said inner die away from the face which contacts the workpiece, said second shaft being mounted for movement in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of said first shaft, said drive means being connected to said second shaft to move the roller with respect to the inner die member to place it in engagement with the workpiece, and means connecting said second shaft to said first shaft whereby the said first and second shafts will move in unison to allow the inner die member to be withdrawn from engagement with the workpiece in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said side folding member is mounted for sliding movement toward and away from said workpiece, a cam member is connected to said side folding member for imparting sliding movement thereto, and means connecting said second shaft to said cam member whereby said cam member will be actuated thereby during a portion of the movement of said second shaft to impart a fold to said workpiece.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said holding member is pivotally mounted in a fixed position relative to the workpiece folding area, a third shaft having a roller thereon, said third shaft being movable in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece, said roller on said third shaft being adapted to engage said holding member to move it against the workpiece and means connecting said third shaft to said second shaft after the workpiece has been folded to actuate said third shaft to move the holding member into holding position.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein means are provided for connecting said third shaft to said cam member after the holding member is in holding position to move said side folding member away from said workpiece. 

1. In a material folding and creasing device having an inner die member, at least one side folding member and a holding member, a mechanism for actuating said members in predetermined timed relation, said mechanism comprising drive means, first actuating means connected to said drive means and said inner die member, second actuating means connected to said side folding member, third actuating means connected to said inner die member and fourth actuating means connected to said holding member; wherein said first actuating means drives the second, third and fourth actuating means at predetermined points during its cycle of operation; wherein said first actuating means during its initial movement when driven by the drive means operates to cause the inner die member to hold a workpiece in position for imparting a fold thereto; wherein said first actuating means during its subsequent movement operates said second actuating means to cause the side folding member to impart a fold to the workpiece; wherein said first actuating means is connected to said third actuating means after actuating the second actuating means whereby said inner die member is withdrawn from said workpiece with said side folding member holding the folded workpiece in position; wherein said first actuating means is connected to said fourth actuating means after actuating the third actuating means whereby said holding member is caused to engage said folded workpiece; and wherein said fourth actuating means after it has caused said holding member to engage the folded workpiece is connected to said third actuating means to withdraw said folding member from engagement with said folded workpiece.
 2. In a material folding and creasing device having an inner die member, at least one side folding member and a holding member, a mechanism for actuating said members in predetermined timed relation, said mechanism comprising drive means, a first shaft having said inner die member pivotally mounted thereon for movement toward and away from a workpiece to be folded, said first shaft being adapted for movement toward and away from said workpiece in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece, and a second shaft carrying a roller adapted to engage the face of said inner die away from the face which contacts the workpiece, said second shaft being mounted for movement in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of said first shaft, said drive means being connected to said second shaft to move the roller with respect to the inner die member to place it in engagement with the workpiece, and means connecting said second shaft to said first shaft whereby the said first and second shafts will move in unison to allow the inner die member to be withdrawn from engagement with the workpiece in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece.
 3. A device according tO claim 2 wherein said side folding member is mounted for sliding movement toward and away from said workpiece, a cam member is connected to said side folding member for imparting sliding movement thereto, and means connecting said second shaft to said cam member whereby said cam member will be actuated thereby during a portion of the movement of said second shaft to impart a fold to said workpiece.
 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said holding member is pivotally mounted in a fixed position relative to the workpiece folding area, a third shaft having a roller thereon, said third shaft being movable in a plane parallel to the plane of the workpiece, said roller on said third shaft being adapted to engage said holding member to move it against the workpiece and means connecting said third shaft to said second shaft after the workpiece has been folded to actuate said third shaft to move the holding member into holding position.
 5. A device according to claim 4 wherein means are provided for connecting said third shaft to said cam member after the holding member is in holding position to move said side folding member away from said workpiece. 